Bad Bunny’s Historic Super Bowl Halftime Show: Gaga, Martin & All-Spanish Performance
- Bad Bunny delivered a history-making Super Bowl Halftime Show performance February 8th at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, becoming the first headliner to perform entirely in Spanish.
- The performance wasn’t a typical stadium spectacle; it was a carefully constructed journey through Bad Bunny’s artistic world.
- Throughout the set, Bad Bunny utilized the stage as a canvas, moving between different sets and incorporating elements of Puerto Rican life.
Bad Bunny delivered a history-making Super Bowl Halftime Show performance at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, becoming the first headliner to perform entirely in Spanish. The 14-song set was a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture, punctuated by surprise appearances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin and a clear message of pride, and inclusivity.
The performance wasn’t a typical stadium spectacle; it was a carefully constructed journey through Bad Bunny’s artistic world. It began with the artist emerging from a simulated sugarcane field during his hit “Tití me preguntó,” a visual nod to the agricultural roots of Puerto Rico. The scene expanded to reveal a tableau of older men playing dominoes, a common pastime in Puerto Rican communities, establishing a sense of place and generational connection from the outset.
Throughout the set, Bad Bunny utilized the stage as a canvas, moving between different sets and incorporating elements of Puerto Rican life. He performed from the roof of a brightly colored house, eventually falling through it to reappear on the field surrounded by a large ensemble of dancers. The inclusion of fellow artists Cardi B and Karol G, alongside actors Jessica Alba and Pedro Pascal, underscored the broad appeal and collaborative spirit of his music.
A brief interlude saw Bad Bunny performing snippets of Daddy Yankee’s iconic “Gasolina” atop an old white pickup truck, a moment that acknowledged the song’s pivotal role in popularizing reggaeton globally. This was followed by a more refined segment featuring a corridor lined with string players, transitioning into a set designed to resemble a Puerto Rican wedding. The authenticity of the scene was heightened by the presence of an actual married couple cutting a wedding cake, and children playfully pretending to sleep on chairs.
Lady Gaga’s appearance was a highlight, joining Bad Bunny for a performance of her song “Die With a Smile” before engaging in a joyful dance with the artist and the wedding party. Gaga later expressed her honor at being included in the performance via Instagram, calling it an “absolute honor” and thanking Bad Bunny for the invitation.
Ricky Martin’s contribution came during “El apagón,” preceded by Martin singing the introduction “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii.” The performance cleverly incorporated a mock power outage on the field, with Bad Bunny reappearing in the sugarcane field near electrical towers, which he then dramatically scaled. Martin himself described the experience as a “tsunami of emotions” on social media.
Bad Bunny’s setlist included portions of fan favorites like “Yo perreo sola,” “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” and “NUEVAYoL,” all drawn from his critically acclaimed album Debí Tirar Más Fotos. The album recently made history by becoming the first non-English language LP to win Album of the Year at the Grammys, a feat Bad Bunny acknowledged with a gesture of generosity during the show, handing his Grammy award to a young fan.
Leading up to the performance, Bad Bunny maintained a relaxed attitude, stating, “It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be easy.” He playfully suggested that attendees had four months to learn Spanish, but ultimately emphasized the importance of embracing the music through dance, stating, “There’s no better dance than the one that comes from the heart.”
The performance concluded with “DtMF,” as Bad Bunny spiked a football he’d carried throughout the show and entered the locker room surrounded by people carrying flags from numerous countries. A final declaration of “God bless America” capped off a performance that was both deeply personal and broadly inclusive.
The Super Bowl appearance comes as Bad Bunny prepares to resume his tour in support of Debí Tirar Más Fotos on in Buenos Aires. His residency in Puerto Rico had a significant economic impact, generating an estimated $200 million for the local economy, demonstrating his influence extends far beyond music.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show wasn’t just a concert; it was a cultural statement. By centering his performance around his native language and the traditions of Puerto Rico, he challenged conventions and broadened the scope of what a Super Bowl performance can be. It was a moment of representation, celebration, and a powerful demonstration of the global reach of Latin music.